The No. 1 and top-seeded Virginia women’s soccer team defeated Michigan Friday to earn a trip to the College Cup for the first time since 1991. With the 2-1 victory, the Cavaliers also became the first team to score multiple goals against the Wolverines all season.
Virginia (24-1) dominated possession for the vast majority of the contest, and Michigan rarely held possession in its attacking third. The strong play of the Cavalier midfield paid off in the 24th minute when sophomore forward Makenzy Doniak played a beautiful through ball to star junior midfielder Morgan Brian, who fired the ball past the Michigan keeper for her school-record eighth career NCAA Tournament goal.
The lead did not last long, however, as Michigan (18-4-1) responded just four minutes later. Wolverine senior midfielder Meghan Toohey was able to find space inside the box and beat Cavalier freshman goalkeeper Morgan Stearns to tie the game at one goal apiece. Toohey’s tally in the 28th minute proved to be Michigan’s last true scoring opportunity of the match.
The teams remained tied going into halftime, but Virginia was clearly dominating the game’s pace. The second half was no different as the Cavaliers immediately gained — and retained — possession in the Wolverine half of the field. The unrelenting pressure finally cracked Michigan’s defense in the 68th minute when senior defender Molly Menchel tapped home a cross from junior midfielder Danielle Colaprico to put Virginia ahead for good.
The Cavaliers will face UCLA in a semifinal matchup Friday in Cary, N.C. The winner will face an ACC foe in the title game as Florida State and the Hokies battle for a spot in the championship matchup in the other half of the bracket.
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